In the days of piracy, when there was only wind power, the sailors had to somehow get the ships together in times of distress. This was almost impossible on the high seas. Someone got the idea to throw a rope to the other ship to pull them together. This didn't work. Then it was decided to tie a rope around a cannonball and sling it to the other ship. The problem was that they needed a knot that would stay secure on a round object

This knot became known as a "Monkey's Fist" knot because as with a monkey, it wont turn loose of an object. A monkey will put its fist inside a jar, grab hold of an object and won't turn loose. Therefore anyone can use this plan to catch a monkey.

Since this knot has long leads, it can be thrown to another ship and became known as a lifeline. It was used to rescue people when ships were in distress.

The "Monkey Fist" knot has been adopted by the Hobo Community as a symbol of sorority and fraternity. A lifeline between hobos.

The Hobo Foundation has hand made Monkey Fist knots made by the hobos for sale at the museum. $5.00 plus shipping.